Environment, Ecology & Climate Change – Environmental Policies & Conventions
Assam Public Service Commission (APSC)
Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) – Preliminary Examination
General Studies Paper I (Objective, 200 Marks)
Topic: Environment, Ecology & Climate Change
Sub-Topic: Environmental Policies & Conventions
Environmental Policies & Conventions – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers & Explanations
Q1. Environmental policies mainly aim to:
A. Promote industrial growth only
B. Regulate human–environment interaction
C. Increase exploitation of resources
D. Reduce government intervention
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Environmental policies seek to balance development with environmental protection, ensuring sustainability.
Q2. Which Indian constitutional provision directs the State to protect the environment?
A. Article 19
B. Article 21
C. Article 48A
D. Article 51A
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Article 48A directs the State to protect and improve the environment and wildlife.
Q3. Fundamental duty related to environmental protection is mentioned under:
A. Article 19
B. Article 21
C. Article 48A
D. Article 51A(g)
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Article 51A(g) makes it a duty of every citizen to protect the environment.
Q4. Which Indian law is known as the umbrella legislation for environmental protection?
A. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
B. Forest Conservation Act, 1980
C. Environment Protection Act, 1986
D. Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Environment Protection Act, 1986 provides a comprehensive framework for environmental governance.
Q5. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established to:
A. Promote industrial growth
B. Speedy disposal of environmental cases
C. Implement climate treaties
D. Monitor wildlife
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
NGT ensures fast and effective resolution of environmental disputes.
Q6. Which global convention focuses on climate change?
A. Ramsar Convention
B. CITES
C. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
D. CBD
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
UNFCCC provides the framework for global climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Q7. The Kyoto Protocol is associated with:
A. Biodiversity conservation
B. Wetland protection
C. Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
D. Ozone layer protection
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Kyoto Protocol set legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries.
Q8. Which agreement replaced the Kyoto Protocol?
A. Montreal Protocol
B. Paris Agreement
C. Basel Convention
D. Stockholm Convention
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Paris Agreement (2015) aims to limit global warming well below 2°C.
Q9. The Paris Agreement operates on the principle of:
A. Mandatory targets for all
B. Polluter pays
C. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
D. Common taxation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Countries submit voluntary climate action plans called NDCs.
Q10. Which convention deals with biodiversity conservation?
A. UNFCCC
B. Ramsar
C. CITES
D. Convention on Biological Diversity
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
CBD focuses on conservation, sustainable use, and benefit sharing of biodiversity.
Q11. The Ramsar Convention is related to:
A. Forest conservation
B. Wildlife trade
C. Wetland conservation
D. Climate finance
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Ramsar Convention promotes conservation and wise use of wetlands.
Q12. Which convention regulates international trade in endangered species?
A. CBD
B. Ramsar
C. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
D. UNFCCC
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
CITES ensures that international trade does not threaten species survival.
Q13. The Montreal Protocol aims to:
A. Reduce carbon emissions
B. Protect wetlands
C. Phase out ozone-depleting substances
D. Conserve biodiversity
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Montreal Protocol protects the ozone layer by phasing out CFCs.
Q14. Which Indian ministry is the nodal agency for environmental policies?
A. Ministry of Home Affairs
B. Ministry of Power
C. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
D. NITI Aayog
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
MoEFCC frames and implements environmental laws and policies.
Q15. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required for:
A. All projects
B. Small household activities
C. Major development projects
D. Agricultural practices only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
EIA evaluates environmental impacts of large projects before approval.
Q16. Which principle states that the polluter should bear the cost of pollution?
A. Precautionary principle
B. Sustainable development
C. Polluter Pays Principle
D. Equity principle
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Polluter Pays Principle ensures accountability for environmental damage.
Q17. The precautionary principle emphasizes:
A. Post-damage compensation
B. Scientific certainty before action
C. Preventive action in case of risk
D. Economic growth
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
It advocates preventive measures even without full scientific certainty.
Q18. Which Indian policy promotes renewable energy?
A. National Forest Policy
B. National Action Plan on Climate Change
C. National Water Policy
D. Coastal Regulation Zone Policy
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
NAPCC includes missions on solar energy and energy efficiency.
Q19. The National Action Plan on Climate Change consists of:
A. 4 missions
B. 6 missions
C. 8 missions
D. 10 missions
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
NAPCC has 8 National Missions addressing climate challenges.
Q20. Which policy aims at sustainable forest management in India?
A. Wildlife Protection Act
B. National Forest Policy
C. Environment Protection Act
D. Forest Rights Act
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The National Forest Policy focuses on conservation and community participation.
Q21. Which convention addresses hazardous waste movement?
A. Basel Convention
B. Stockholm Convention
C. Minamata Convention
D. Ramsar Convention
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The Basel Convention regulates transboundary movement of hazardous wastes.
Q22. The Stockholm Convention deals with:
A. Climate finance
B. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
C. Wetlands
D. Wildlife trade
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
It aims to eliminate or restrict toxic POPs.
Q23. The Minamata Convention focuses on:
A. Mercury pollution
B. Plastic waste
C. Air pollution
D. Water scarcity
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The Minamata Convention addresses mercury-related health and environmental risks.
Q24. Environmental conventions are important because they:
A. Replace national laws
B. Promote global cooperation
C. Reduce sovereignty
D. Promote exploitation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Global environmental issues require international cooperation and coordination.
Q25. Which Indian act focuses on access and benefit sharing of biological resources?
A. Wildlife Protection Act
B. Forest Conservation Act
C. Biological Diversity Act, 2002
D. Environment Protection Act
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Act ensures fair sharing of benefits from biological resources.
Q26. Environmental governance refers to:
A. Judicial process only
B. Role of NGOs only
C. Laws, policies, and institutions managing environment
D. Forest management only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Environmental governance includes policies, institutions, and enforcement mechanisms.
Q27. Which policy tool encourages industries to adopt cleaner technologies?
A. Subsidies only
B. Command-and-control regulations
C. Market-based instruments
D. Judicial activism
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Market-based tools like carbon pricing and incentives promote cleaner practices.
Q28. Environmental conventions are generally:
A. Binding on all countries equally
B. Non-binding only
C. Based on consensus and cooperation
D. Applicable only to developed nations
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Most conventions work through shared responsibility and cooperation.
Q29. India’s commitment to climate action is reflected through:
A. Kyoto targets only
B. Nationally Determined Contributions
C. Forest Policy
D. Wildlife Act
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
India’s climate commitments are outlined in its NDCs under the Paris Agreement.
Q30. The ultimate objective of environmental policies and conventions is to:
A. Halt development
B. Promote industrialization
C. Achieve sustainable development
D. Control population
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
All environmental policies aim at sustainable development for present and future generations.
✅ APSC Prelims Smart Tip
For Environmental Policies & Conventions, focus on:
- Constitutional provisions
- Major Indian environmental laws
- Key international conventions & protocols
- Principles like Polluter Pays & Precautionary Principle
- Link between environment and sustainable development
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Environmental policies MCQs APSC
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International environmental conventions MCQs
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UNFCCC Paris Agreement MCQs
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CBD CITES Ramsar MCQs
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Indian environmental laws prelims
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Environment GS Paper I APSC
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Environmental governance MCQs